Cholesterol ratios

[Rita M]

I am a 56 year old female.  I recently had a blood test done, and the results are as follows:
Total cholesterol - 258
HDL - 123
LDL - 119
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio - 2.1
HDL/LDL Ratio - .97
I understand that the ratios are good, but I'm concerned about the 258 total.  I've read that the ratios are more important than the total, and I understand that my total is high because my HDL is so high, which is good.  According to the report I received, all my numbers are in range except for the total cholesterol.  A year ago, the results were:
Total - 195
HDL - 102
LDL - 81
Everything has increased in just a year.  Should I be concerned, and what should I do to lower it, if anything?  Thank you.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Rita,

I dont really focus too much on cholesterol ratios. In general, I focus my treatmnet for cholesterol based on the levels of LDL and risk of coronary disease. In patients with definite coronary disease, I am very aggressive about treating with medications to pretty much lower the LDL to as low as I can get it.

Your numbers are very distinct, as you have one of the higher HDL cholesterols that Ive seen. Without any other risk factors for coronary disease, your numbers are perfectly acceptible and I wouldnt really think of initiating therapy.

However, I would continue to follow you and make sure to recommend a heart healthy lifestyle.

hope this is a help.

[rasadi]

A recent cholesterol check showed the following:

Total Cholesterol - 203
HDL - 86
LDL - 96
Triglyceride - 105

I cannot understand how that total number can be above "normal" if the other 3 are all acceptable. My doctor's advice is simply not to worry about it since the bottom 3 numbers are acceptable, but my understanding was that the "total" number was derived from the others. I exercise daily, am not overweight, don't smoke & for the most part follow a healthy diet.

[Healthyself2]

You'll live to be 105 if something else doesn't kill you.

High HDL is one of the best predictors of longevity.

Don't worry about the total.

[Healthyself2]

Don't worry about it.  You have a perfect lipid profile.  An HDL level like that will protect you from endothelial dysfunction and you will have extreme longevity, unless you are hit by a bus or some other calamity.

[rasadi]

Thanks much. My doctor didn't have much of an explanation. I'll try to stop worrying & focus more on staying out of the path of oncoming traffic :)

[Skrap]

I'm confused about the significance of total cholesterol, high LDL numbers, and the cholesterol ratio.

My numbers from a recent test:
Total cholesterol:  260
LDL: 167
HDL:  82

While my LDL is high, my ratio is pretty good, at 3.2:1.

I'm 54, no history of high blood pressure or family history of heart disease.  I've stayed fit over the years, but I realize I'm carrying more weight than I should.  (I'm 5'11", 225 lbs.)  I run/walk, lift weights, and butcher yoga.

Any thoughts?

[abing]

I am 54 years old man. I got a recent test reult:
Cholestral=211, and Triglycerides=255. Am i in deep trouble health-wise ?